Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day
Overview of the role
In this role you will be responsible to develop strategies that maximise the Boys, BRU and R Zone business for GCC and deliver profitable results and manage key business categories for growth. To manage 100+ international & Local vendors establishing merchandise strategies and negotiating lower cost prices. To manage a team who will select merchandise based on trend, place orders and remain involved in inventory distribution for assigned categories. Research new trends or advances in product lines to make appropriate buying decisions. Partner with cross functional team members to develop key concepts and items, promotional strategies and assortments that are brand appropriate. Influence the product development process, financial planning and visual merchandising and marketing strategies.
What you will do

• With the Buying Manager (BM) set the yearly buying budgets for all assigned categories. Develop the overall strategy and merchandise direction for Boys, BRU & R Zone in support of the total company direction.
• Direct buyers to develop assortments that support the needs of the customer and the financial objectives of the Boys, BRU and R Zone categories. Work with the buyers to strengthen market relationships and knowledge of market trend, competitor’s strengths, and weaknesses.
• Ensure that pricing, promotional strategies, and marketing support the financial objectives of the Boys, BRU and R Zone categories.
• Work with the Operations Manager, Visual Merchandising Manager & Logistics Manager to develop by-store assortment plans that support overall strategy of in-stock positioning for key merchandise categories, classifications, items, and vendors,
• Work with internal teams (Marketing Manager/ Visual Merchandising Manager/ Store Manager/ Accounts Department), supporting services (Warehouse, Logistics) to promote timely communication and cooperation between stores and resources on various business activities/developments (promotions, sale planning and store openings)
• Manage, coach, and develop the buying team.

Required Skills to be successful

• Strategic planning and analytical skills. Influencing and negotiating skills.
• Highly organized and ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities
• Strong communication skills, confident decision maker, leadership skills and strategic thinker. Ability to lead, develop and motivate.

What equips you for the role
Education:

• Bachelors’ Degree (Business Management or Buying)
• SAP Knowledge is essential.

Minimum Experience and Knowledge:

• Minimum 5 years of Senior Merchandising/ Buyer experience in UAE/GCC markets
• Experienced in local procurement with organized retail companies-multi-channel /online experience
• Experience in a retail background is mandatory (Toys industry preferred)

About Al-Futtaim Retail
Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.

Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…